Quick answer
To start substitute teaching you typically need a state substitute permit or license, a background check with fingerprinting, and any district onboarding. Requirements vary by state — some require a bachelor's degree, others college credits or a diploma plus training. Day-to-day subbing can lead to long-term assignments and permanent teaching roles.
Key takeaways
- Requirements vary a lot by state — check your state's education department.
- Expect a background check and fingerprinting.
- Arrive early, read the plans, and leave a clear note.
- Long-term sub assignments are a common path to a full-time role.
Substitute teaching is one of the most flexible ways to work in schools — and for many people, it's the first step toward a teaching career. Requirements vary by state, but the path usually looks similar.
What you typically need
- A substitute permit or license from your state
- A background check and fingerprinting
- Any district-specific onboarding or training
Your first day, step by step
- 1
Arrive early
Check in at the front office and get your badge, keys, and schedule.
- 2
Read the plans
Review the lesson plans and seating chart before students arrive.
- 3
Find your help
Introduce yourself to a neighboring teacher and learn who to call if you need support.
- 4
Leave a note
Write what was covered, who was absent, and anything the teacher should know.
From day-to-day to long-term
Long-term substitute assignments — covering a leave or a vacancy for weeks or months — let you plan lessons, build relationships with students, and show a school what you can do.
“Many long-term subs are the first person a principal calls when a permanent position opens.”
Skills that make subs successful
- Classroom management — clear expectations from the first minute
- Flexibility when plans change or are missing
- Reading the room and adjusting the pace
- Following school procedures for safety, attendance, and dismissal
- Leaving the room the way you found it
Substitute teaching in special education
Special education classrooms often need substitutes too. If you're comfortable working with students with diverse needs, these assignments can be especially rewarding. Ask about the classroom routines, the paraprofessionals you'll work with, and any student support plans before the day starts.
Turning subbing into a career
- 1
Build relationships
Get to know teachers and front-office staff at the schools you work in most.
- 2
Take long-term assignments
They show principals what you can do over weeks, not just a day.
- 3
Explore a teaching license
Many states offer alternative routes for career changers and long-term subs.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a teaching degree to be a substitute teacher?
Not always. Requirements vary by state — some require a bachelor's degree, while others accept college credits or a high school diploma plus training. All states require a background check.
What is a long-term substitute teacher?
A long-term substitute covers one classroom for an extended period — often a leave or a vacancy lasting weeks or months — and usually plans lessons, grades work, and communicates with families.
Can substitute teachers work in special education classrooms?
Yes. Many districts place substitutes in special education classrooms. Requirements vary — long-term special education assignments may require additional credentials in some states.